Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Undergraduate scholarships at the University of Rwanda (UR) 2025-2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
If you’re an ambitious African undergraduate aspiring to transform your future and community, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda (UR) is now open for applications for the 2025/2026 intake! This fully funded undergraduate scholarship empowers academically talented, economically disadvantaged students—particularly young women in STEM, persons with disabilities, refugees, and displaced youth—to access world-class education and leadership development at UR. Read on for details.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Country: Rwanda
Host Institution: University of Rwanda
Study Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor)
Target Group: African youth from low-income backgrounds; priority for young women in STEM, refugees/displaced youth, persons with disabilities
Eligible Colleges:
College of Science and Technology
College of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences
College of Medicine and Health Sciences
College of Business and Economics
College of Education
College of Arts and Social Sciences
Coverage: Fully funded—includes full tuition, on-campus accommodation, laptop and learning materials, monthly stipend, return travel (if applicable), psychosocial & academic support, internships, career development, leadership training, and inclusion in the global alumni network
Application Deadline: 22 August 2025
Start Date: 2025/2026 academic year (first year of Bachelor)
Eligible To: Citizens of African countries, refugees, displaced youth with valid documentation; special consideration up to age 30 for those with protracted life circumstances
📘 Scholarship Overview
This 10-year partnership (2021–2031) between the University of Rwanda and the Mastercard Foundation supports up to 1,200 undergraduates, as part of the wider Young Africa Works strategy aimed at empowering 30 million African youth through quality education and meaningful work. The program is deeply committed to nurturing leadership, academic success, and social transformation among scholars through:
Holistic academic and psychosocial support (mentoring, tutoring, counseling)
Career advancement opportunities: internships, enterprise development, and career guidance
Cohort-building activities including leadership congresses, community engagement (“Give-back” projects), and networking with a global alumni community
⭐ Eligible Study Programmes
A full list of eligible study programmes can be found in this PDF document.
🎁 Benefits
Full tuition and registration fees
On-campus housing with meals
Laptop and study materials
Monthly living stipend
Return travel allowance (when applicable)
Academic and psychosocial support: counseling, tutoring, mentoring
Leadership training, internship placements, career readiness support
Inclusion in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars global alumni and development community
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
Be a citizen of an African country, or a refugee/displaced youth in Africa with valid documentation
Be academically qualified and demonstrate limited access to educational opportunities
Be aged 28 or under (up to 30 for those in protracted circumstances such as refugees or single parents)
Have already applied for admission to UR and obtained a UR Reference Number
Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment through community or transformative initiatives
Provide legal proof of refugee or disability status, if applicable
Application Procedure
How to Apply:
Visit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program portal for UR and complete the online application form
Prepare and upload all required documents in PDF format (<250 KB each), named as “Full Name – UR Reference Number”
Submit your application by 22 August 2025—late or incomplete submissions will not be considered
📂 Documents May Include:
National ID or passport
Academic transcripts/ national exam results
Personal statement or leadership statement
Refugee/disability certification (if applicable)
Any relevant certificates (community service, leadership roles)
Additional Insights
The program emphasizes inclusion of marginalized groups—women in STEM, disabled youth, refugees—as well as leadership growth and giving back to society
Selected scholars participate in enriching events (e.g., sports festivals, innovation bootcamps, commemorative visits), building a vibrant campus experience and strong peer networks
📂 Resources
Download the Call for applications document (PDF)
Ready to take the next step? Apply early, highlight your leadership drive and community vision, and make your studies a force for change!
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK
